Palin's attorney had moved to keep reporters from covering his appearances in an Anchorage therapeutic court for veterans. Three media organizations — The Associated Press, KTUU Channel 2 News and KTVA Channel 11 News — fought the request.

The 29-year-old asked to transfer his case into Anchorage's Veterans Court, where participants discuss their progress in what the judge described as "soul searching conversation" court at each weekly meeting.

His attorney, Patrick Bergt, had asked the court to ban media from the court proceedings, citing privacy concerns of participants.

In Monday's ruling, Anchorage District Court Judge David Wallace noted that most court hearings, including veterans court, are open to the public.

To close the hearings to the public would "violate the basic and fundamental principles set forth in long standing precedent," wrote Wallace, who was appointed by then-Gov. Sarah Palin.

Wallace banned the use of still cameras, television cameras or cellphone cameras in the courtroom.